Epic fail JB4 install

[ebelizard12]

Well, after a long day, I installed the JB4 in my car and it would only crank. I then put it back stock, because I checked all the fittings, and it still wont actually fire up. Having it towed to BMW to see what they say about it. Could it be possible I had a defective JB4?

I also noticed that it was really difficult to install the larger connector to the ECU... Seemed like the parts just didn't fit correctly even though I followed the instructions to ever single specification.

[cochise325]

Oh I think this is going to get expensive......

[ebelizard12]

thanks for the vote of confidence.

[cochise325]

thanks for the vote of confidence.

Sorry did not mean to discourage you any further, just trying to be honest.........

[racermp]

wondering if the ecu is responding? try reading for codes

[MOTOREN]

Dont tell the dealer about JB4. Call or email Burger Tuning for help

[ebelizard12]

I did not tell the dealer about the JB4, and they got back to me today. They will be replacing the DME on Thursday. I don't know where I could have screwed up, but I am very apprehensive to re install the JB4. I emailed Terry, and he has been VERY responsive. Any words of advice are welcome, I'm just happy I'm not $1600 out of pocket for a new DME.

[menewtobmw]

...I probably wouldn't have posted this on a forum. "How I caused $1,600 damage to my car".

[AmazingJr]

Why not? It's good to know what not to do.

[cochise325]

Why not? It's good to know what not to do.

Your dealer took VERY good care of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[e66man]

Sounds like you bent a pin or something. Was it easy to put the stock plugs back on?

Yes but this -


...I probably wouldn't have posted this on a forum. "How I caused $1,600 damage to my car".

Is good advice.

I don't mention dealer visits until after they are done. :) Even that might be pushing it...

[AmazingJr]

Lol i was saying why not post a thread in which he did $1600 in damage to his car. This could help someone else in the future not make the same mistake. Seems you might have misunderstood me is all :)

[Ian1973]

Because if said dealer likes to use this forum, they will see that this guy screwed up his own car with a component that would void the warranty anyway. So they could potentially show this to this individual and deny the warranty!

[cochise325]

Because if said dealer likes to use this forum, they will see that this guy screwed up his own car with a component that would void the warranty anyway. So they could potentially show this to this individual and deny the warranty!

And we know BMW NA reads and responds to threads......

[AmazingJr]

Oh yeah. No doubt. And they also know who we are just by our username. Obviously.

[cochise325]

Oh yeah. No doubt. And they also know who we are just by our username. Obviously.

Yes they are watching you right now, look over your shoulder and there they are :)

[Ian1973]

nope we don't, but I did say people at the dealership.

[AmazingJr]

Lol

[AmazingJr]

Yes they are watching you right now, look over your shoulder and there they are :)

They actually made me dinner while they were here and also did my dishes. So i can't complain.

[ebelizard12]

I don't think I bent any pins, I looked closely after i couldn't fit it on the first time. It seemed like one of the JB4 harness components wouldn't fit into the stock attachment. I'm wondering if I received a defective unit.

Would terry from burger tuning do a return for a new one?

[cbr6n335Iracer]

Did you get the n55 jb4 when you have an n54? Or vice versa?

[ebelizard12]

Did you get the n55 jb4 when you have an n54? Or vice versa?

I doubt it, all the other components fit perfectly

[Martinw2579]

Hmmm...reading all of this while my JB4 is on the way. #crossesfingers

[e66man]

Would terry from burger tuning do a return for a new one?

I'm sure he would. And he would definitely want the old harness to check it. Did you call or email?

[ebelizard12]

I'm sure he would. And he would definitely want the old harness to check it. Did you call or email?

I've been in touch with terry via email. Work has swamped me lately and my Internet is down so I have to use my phone to post. Ill be sure to email him and see if we can do a swap.

[ebelizard12]

So apparently it's not the DME, and BMW doesn't know what's wrong with the car now. Should find out tomorrow, and it's not looking bright.

[cochise325]

Oh I think this is going to get expensive......

I did sense this was coming...........

[ebelizard12]

The Cause:

BMW told me that it was shorting out because of a frayed wire and a bent pin in the wiring harness. It's quite obvious that I wasn't careful enough putting the JB4 harness in. I'm very apprehensive about re installing the JB4, and have put it up for sale. However, if anyone knows of a tuner shop that can install it correctly, I'm willing to pay.

[cochise325]

Glad you were able to get it sorted out. The connectors are fragile, and it is not easy to diagnose when things go wrong. The electrical connector that goes into the auto trans is legendary for being damaged when unplugged and then plugged back in. As these cars age it is going to get interesting, since time and the elements will only make things that much more fragile. It used to be that I worried about taking apart old cars because of corrosion on fasteners, but now we need to worry about the ability to disconnect electrical connections when making repairs.

Did you incur any out of pocket expense?

[ebelizard12]

Yep, almost $2900 out if MY pocket. I am VERY apprehensive about re installing the JB4. I wish I could find a tuner shop around here that I could pay to do it.

[sdemetris]

Yep, almost $2900 out if MY pocket. I am VERY apprehensive about re installing the JB4. I wish I could find a tuner shop around here that I could pay to do it.

maybe try a non-piggyback tune.. that way you dont need to connect anything. just send in the whole ecu or use something like the access port

[e66man]

Yep, almost $2900 out if MY pocket. I am VERY apprehensive about re installing the JB4. I wish I could find a tuner shop around here that I could pay to do it.

Care for a drive to Mobile, AL? :)

[ebelizard12]

Care for a drive to Mobile, AL? :)

Would've when I was in flight school a year ago lol

[2kredz3]

I would move to the Cobb Access Port :-)

[ndog14]

JB4 is overrated. Look into Cobb and Procede.

[fortyninerrb]

This is why I bought the Dinan stage 2 for my sport model 335i...peace of mind.

[eckounltdpnoy23]

Ouch. Talk about learning the hard way...Sorry about that man!

[Ian1973]

If I step back into the M world, I'll sell you my Cobb. :)